Chanting Kansan- Lori Rogge

Tanner Colvin
May 26
2 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BantinETwBg

Lori Rogge story is deeply rooted in Kansas. Born in Hillsboro and raised across nearly every corner of the state, Lori grew up in a family shaped by agriculture, banking, real estate, and entrepreneurship. From Harper County farms to Great Bend, Mulvane, Goddard, and eventually Leonardville, her upbringing reflected the ever-changing rhythm of small-town Kansas life. Her parents, Gene and Connie Francis, founded Gene Francis & Associates in 1984, building a family business that would eventually become one of the state’s most recognized names in real estate and auctions. Though Lori originally envisioned a different career path, the relationships, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit she learned growing up ultimately pulled her back into the family business.

A graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in marketing, Lori worked her way through college while balancing work and newly married life. She first built a successful career as a financial adviser specializing in retirement and estate planning before joining the KSU Foundation in 2005, where she served in gift planning and later as senior director of development for the College of Engineering. Her experience helping families think about legacy, philanthropy, and long-term planning gave her a unique perspective that would later become invaluable in the auction and real estate world. In 2015, Lori returned to the family business, earned her real estate license, attended auction school in Iowa, and helped launch Gavl Roads Online Auctions alongside her parents and brother. The company quickly became a leader in online auctions, helping modernize the industry while expanding their reach far beyond Kansas.

Today, Lori serves as both a realtor and auctioneer, selling everything from farm machinery and hunting properties to multimillion-dollar ranches across Kansas and the Midwest. Known for her approachable auction chant, strong client relationships, and ability to adapt in a rapidly changing industry, she has become one of the few female auctioneers in Kansas working at such a broad scale. Whether standing on an auction block, livestreaming bids online, or helping families navigate estate transitions, Lori blends tradition with innovation while remaining deeply committed to the communities she serves.

Beyond her professional career, Lori is heavily involved in community and philanthropic work throughout rural Kansas. She serves with organizations including the Rural Riley County Community Foundation, Women Grow the Farm, the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, and numerous real estate and auction associations at both the state and national level. Living outside Leonardville with her husband Brandon, Lori continues to champion rural communities, agriculture, and the power of relationships. Her life and career reflect a uniquely Kansan story — one built on hard work, adaptability, family legacy, and a deep belief in giving back.